My heart was still racing thirty minutes into the swim, my arms and legs flailed, there was no ease or even any discernible rhythm to my body’s movements in the green murky water. I concentrated on just trying to move fast in my failing effort to burn off the energy my nervous system released. I … Continue reading What Made Me Swim Across the Deep Dark Lake

My proclivity for sweets remained with me over time. Chocolate, in particular, served an important role. A piece of it was really the only way my brain knew that the meal was over. Like the credits at the end of the movie, I only seemed to stop eating if I sent the specific ‘sweet’ signal to my brain.

The dog sitter expected me to save the chicken. What would she think of me if I didn’t? What would my brother think of me if I did? I went back and forth. I could save the chicken for the dog sitter so she thinks I am a good person OR let the chicken die so my brother doesn’t think I am crazy.

I have probably announced, dozens of times, that I want to practice meditation. I started my official announcing of this goal nearly a decade or more ago. Declarations are my first step toward taking action and I even recommend my wishes on others -- before I do them myself -- in the form of sentences … Continue reading Jumping off the High Dive Again and Again

My high school English teacher, Mrs. Michael, rarely gave compliments or A’s. She was renowned throughout the school for her high standards and tough grading. I never got above a 'B' until one noteworthy essay my senior year. When I wrote the essay, however, I didn’t think it was noteworthy at all. It seemed … Continue reading Do Not “Like” This

What happens upon returning home after a week at a writing and meditation retreat? I realized soon upon reentry that what I lack most is discipline. But I also lack people around me engaged in the same thing. There is no group dynamic, no army to make me fall into step. To wake up in … Continue reading On Meditation and a Dog’s Batting Paw

It was my lack of long term experience with avocados that had made me hesitant to buy them at all for many years. But now they are a family staple. Avocados are part of a generation of global food that are available year round in NJ. It is so different from my seasonal eating upbringing. A craving for guacamole … Continue reading Mangoes on Sale

I poured the oats into the wooden bowl and sprinkled on some cinnamon. Adding pecan halves next, I absentmindedly began breaking them in half again, noting how much crispier they were than the ones I had used in the granola the week before. Those were rubbery, softer. I wasn’t sure if I should have used … Continue reading It Always Goes Back to the Botulism

Even in the tree lined suburbs of America, where opportunity abounds, there is still a need for the supportive fabric that emerges when people gather together. It preserves the oldest roadmap of time—the stories of others as a compass for all.